Breaking into the conversation: cultural value and the role of the South African National Arts Festival from apartheid to democracy

The paper examines the value of the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) in the transition to democracy using theories of cultural capital. NAF history from 1974 to 2004 is used to argue that the Festival provided an important arena for the expression of political resistance in the 1980s and, to some degree, continues to do so today. It is concluded that an important part of the value of the arts is their ability to provide a forum for debating the goals and values of society and that individualistic utility theory is not always successful in measuring such social value.     

Exploring preferences and non-use values for hidden archaeological artefacts: a case from Denmark

This paper presents a choice experiment study of a proposed wetland restoration project which aims to preserve archaeological artefacts from Stone Age villages which are presently buried within the topsoil. Wetland restoration can avoid destruction of the artefacts due to agricultural cultivation and drainage, and in addition improve biological diversity and recreational opportunities. The results indicate that even though the artefacts are not visible or usable for the population of today, but may contain information and potential value for future generations, the strongest preferences displayed is for ensuring permanent protection of archaeological artefacts, rather than biological diversity and recreational opportunities. The results are discussed in relation to the Prospect Theory: people value a loss of cultural heritage higher than a gain of new cultural goods or services. This insight is of general interest to cultural economics and cultural policy, especially with respect to heritage protection.     

The Epilogue in the Book of Qohelet

Abstract

Various objective reasons have led to the development of a vast and elaborate literature on the Epilogue in the Book of Qohelet. This study presents a Sitz im Leben based approach to the Epilogue, which capitalizes on the known historical reality during the Hellenistic period in which Qohelet lived. It views the Epilogue as an expression of Qohelet’s deep apprehensions of the challenges that faced his people. From this perspective it is natural to consider Qohelet as being the author of the Epilogue. The Epilogue is not about what he says in the book but what he has to say to his people. As a wise man concerned with the welfare of his people he urges them: keep records, though it is wearisome; be aware that secrets would be leaked; fear God; and, obey His commandments. These are his essentials for survival.     

The Growth Cone as Seen Through Cajal's Original Histological Preparations and Publications

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) was first presented in a clinical setting in 1838. In this paper the presentation and treatment of a transient hemiparesis in a drummer in 1789 is discussed. This may have been an early case of MS and presents evidence against the theory that MS is an infectious disease beginning in the 19th century.     

从国际法论中日钓鱼岛争端及其解决前景

章认为从国际法方面看钓鱼岛的主权属于中国,日本所主张的“无主地先占”原则根本不能成立。根据联合国新海洋法和国际司法判例,钓鱼岛不应享有大陆架和专属经济区,亦不具有划界效力。中日东海大陆架的划分应遵循公平和自然延伸的原则。在和平解决争端的前景下,钓鱼岛问题面临三种可能的选择。     

孟州城址所反映的问题

现在的孟州是延续金代的孟州城发展而来,旧城区在民国时期还保留了比较完整的四门十字街的棋盘式布局.金代孟州城是仿照金大定之前的老城建造的,文献考证和近年来的考古发现都可以证明金大定之前的老城沿袭了隋唐城址,从而解决了孟州城棋盘式布局的来源问题,也纠正了几百年来关于金大定之前老城建造年代的错误认识.     

旋子彩画小议

旋子彩画以旋子花的变形图案为基础单元,分布在梁枋藻头位置。本文就其类型、适用范围和时代特征等问题作了简要论述,并对清式旋子彩画严格的等级制度作了初步探讨。     

转型期广东省地级市发展的困境与突破重点

行政区划与区域发展的关系密切,而区域发展又不能仅仅依赖行政区划的调整来达到。况且行政区划调整应该是逐步到位的过程。因此,地级市的发展要从促进政府职能转变、实行区域管治、改变城市型政区体系、理顺地级市的空间结构等方面综合考虑。     

上海市民大型超市购物行为特征研究

以上海居民消费行为的问卷调查为基础,探讨零售业态变革下上海居民大型超市购物行为的总体特征以及时空间特征。上海居民选择大型超市购物的比率及频率较高,在大型超市购物的耗时相对较长,并且有集中于夜间的特点,购物出行方式上以步行和自行车为主,陪伴者以家人居多。通过不同类型商品购物行为空间的分析得出,大型超市对居民购物出行空间的影响显著。受大型超市空间分布和周边其他零售业设施发育程度的共同影响,居民购物活跃度的空间差异也较为显著。